Association between MTHFR polymorphisms and acute myeloid leukemia risk: a meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Genomics
• Oncology
• Molecular Epidemiology

Background:

• Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms are common.
• Previous studies on MTHFR variants and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) risk have produced conflicting results.
• A comprehensive meta-analysis is needed to clarify the association.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between MTHFR polymorphisms (C677T and A1298C) and the risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
• To provide a more precise estimation of this relationship by pooling data from existing observational studies.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of PubMed and Embase databases up to August 2013.
• Inclusion of 13 studies for MTHFR C677T (1838 cases, 5318 controls) and 9 studies for A1298C (1335 patients, 4295 controls).
• Meta-analysis using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess risk, with heterogeneity and publication bias evaluation.

Main Results:

• Pooled analysis revealed no significant association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and AML risk (OR range 0.98-1.04).
• Similarly, the MTHFR A1298C polymorphism was not significantly associated with AML risk.
• Subgroup analyses, heterogeneity assessment, and publication bias tests did not alter these findings.

Conclusions:

• This meta-analysis suggests that common MTHFR polymorphisms (C677T and A1298C) are not associated with an increased risk of acute myeloid leukemia.
• Further research is warranted to explore the potential role of these genetic variations in AML development.